WHS leads conference 6-0

With only two weeks left in the season, the Waconia volleyball team is closing in on the Wright County Conference title. Leading the WCC with a spotless 6-0 conference record, the Wildcats are 18-5 overall, after picking up wins last week over No. 2 (1A) Bethlehem Academy and Mound-Westonka.

Sophomore Anna Schmitt sets for the Wildcats during their Sept. 25 match.

Waconia 3, Bethlehem 2
After winning sets one and two by 25-20 and 25-22 margins on Sept. 25, the Wildcats lost sets three and four to force their first five-set match of the season. Waconia won set five 15-10 and was awarded the 3-2 win.

The Wildcats had over 100 digs, courtesy of the back row, against Bethlehem Academy. Senior Caroline Jacobs had 30 digs, followed by sophomore Kia Pankey (24), junior Sam Paulson (20), and senior Anna Pioske (10). Pioske had five aces and 33 kills, while sophomore Anna Schmitt had three aces and 62 assists. Sophomore Jessica Wolf also added 15 kills for the Wildcats. Senior Stephanie Dressen and junior Kirsten Wagener had 11 blocks between the two players.

Waconia 3, M-W 0
Making quick work of the White Hawks on Sept. 27, the Wildcats won the three sets 25-17, 25-12, and 25-15.

“A phenomenal hitting night for the girls,” head coach Jim Lee said. “[I’m] really proud of them for their boldness.”

Schmitt (4) and Jacobs (3) combined for seven serving aces on the night. Schmitt also had 42 assists to compliment the string of kills by Pioske (21), Wolf (13), and Wagener (7). Defensively, Jacobs was great in the back with 17 digs, along with Paulson (8). Wagener was credited with four blocks.

This weekend, the Wildcats will play in a tournament at St. Michael-Albertville with over 30 other schools, including WCC members Delano and Litchfield. The No. 7 (3A) Wildcats will also be joined by their ranked counterparts in Class 3A including No. 8 Minnetonka, No. 5 Hopkins, and No. 2 Wayzata.